News release
For immediate release
ESQUIMALT, BC—The Township of Esquimalt was recognized at the 2025 BC Economic Development Awards for Esquimalt Recreation’s Youth Aquatic Safety and Leadership Program.
The program won the Community Project award for populations of 10,000-25,000. This award recognizes a community or regional partnership that works together in ongoing economic development work and activities.
Hosted by the British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA), the annual awards recognize contributions made by organizations and individuals toward fostering positive transformations in urban, suburban, and rural communities, including Indigenous communities.
Esquimalt’s Youth Aquatic Safety and Leadership Program was designed to address the lifeguard shortages during COVID-19—these shortages resulted in pool closures due to insufficient lifeguard numbers. Esquimalt Recreation partnered with the local high school to allow students to undergo lifeguard training as part of their normal physical education periods. The program was offered at a reduced cost to participants and provided a pathway for high school students to become lifeguards.
“Part of Esquimalt’s identity is one of adaptability and resilience,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “Our staff saw an opportunity rather than a barrier and now we have a community-driven program with a broad range of benefits. We’re very honoured to be recognized by the British Columbia Economic Development Association for this accomplishment.”
“The elements of this program—providing youth employment and leadership development while helping to fill a dire staffing need—is something we’re very proud of,” said Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The program is seen as a stepping stone for youth to explore various career paths within Parks and Rec and beyond.”
The program combines workforce development and public safety while strengthening the relationship between the township and local schools. After three years of the program, the township is seeing a quantifiable impact: 21 per cent of the 81 lifeguards at Esquimalt Recreation came from the Youth Aquatic Safety and Leadership Program.
Part of what made this program stand out was its replicability—the model can be used by other municipalities to create a similar program. It is also scalable depending on a municipality’s resources. The aim is to focus on Grade 12 students first, followed by Grade 11, and then Grade 10 as demand and space allow. Students have the added bonus of receiving high school credits for the Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid courses.
While no date is set for the next session, Recreation staff are actively working with schools to find the next available opportunity to run the program.
The annual BC Economic Development Awards ceremony celebrates outstanding economic development programs, partnerships, economic reconciliation endeavors, and marketing campaigns within the Province.
About Esquimalt Recreation
The recreation department offers a wide variety of programs that serve the community by providing options for all ages and abilities. From athletics to arts to peer support, Esquimalt Recreation’s goal is to be a place for everyone.
About BCDEA
The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is the premier professional association for economic development practitioners in the Province of British Columbia.
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Contact
Tara Zajac
Manager of Communications
Tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca
250-414-7122
